CALS- Technician III- Insect Rearing Technician- Ashley School

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

2d•$24 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

This position will provide technical support to the New York State Hemlock Initiative (NYSHI). We integrate research, management, and outreach to conserve New York State’s hemlock resources in the face of multiple threats, particularly the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA, Adelges tsugae), an invasive insect. Additionally, we help coordinate state-wide efforts of land owners, state and federal agencies, government officials, and concerned citizens to partner in hemlock tree conservation throughout New York. The position in the Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment, in the section Natural Resources and the Environment will be focused on quarantine rearing of insects for hemlock woolly adelgid biological control research and field releases. These predators, one species of beetle and two species of flies, are approved for use as HWA biological control agents in the United States. Procedures are designed to contain all other western species and are approved and overseen by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, division of Plant Protection and Quarantine (APHIS-PPQ). The Technician III will manage NYSHI’s laboratory and greenhouse spaces at the quarantine facility; follow established protocols to collect and maintain biocontrol insects, train Cornell staff on quarantine regulations, safety, and procedures; organize records for Federal inspections of quarantine; assist in developing reports and training materials; participate in outreach; and supervise assistants. The specific duties have seasonal variation as described below. January-July: Take full responsibility for the insect rearing operation in the quarantine greenhouse including: setup/takedown of the physical space and rearing cages, maintenance of cage integrity and cleanliness, intake and organization of western hemlock foliage into cages, collection of insects, recordkeeping, insect husbandry (flies and beetles), sorting and preparing insects for releases, maintaining overall greenhouse cleanliness and sanitizing insect holding containers, communication with facilities coordinators and manager regarding space use and environmental settings, reporting supply and equipment needs to appropriate personnel. Manage records for laboratory project within the SARL quarantine facility to the standards required for the project and for inspections by federal and state regulators. Conduct and/or supervise data entry and error checking of data. Assist in developing quarterly reports based on data collected. Train others and delegate tasks to assistants. Ensure NYSHI staff adhere to quarantine standard operating procedures and safety protocols. August-December: Frequently check, maintain, and collect adult beetles from soil media in growth chambers. Place adult beetles on food to await release. Recordkeeping and reporting as above. As time allows participate in outreach potentially including website maintenance, assistance with social media, and writing for the NYSHI newsletter or similar. Participate in outreach events such as Cornell’s InsectaPalooza. Assist with a variety of research projects such as: foliage dissections, fly rearing experiments, genetic analysis including DNA isolation and PCR, environmental DNA sample filtration and processing, and/or other projects as assigned. Support field projects if needed, such as HWA or eDNA field sampling and insect releases. Travel within New York State as needed. Participate in professional development in appropriate areas to enhance professional knowledge & skills. Year-round: Act as SARL Quarantine Manager, reporting to the Quarantine Officer. Take responsibility for maintaining records and files relating to all work being done in the quarantine by all lab groups. Liasing among lab groups and between labs, CAES Chamber/SARL Supervisor, and Quarantine Officer. Alerting facilities to all repair and maintenance issues and assisting with communications to users. Training all new users on general procedures for quarantine use and safety. Assisting with tours and inspections of the facility as needed. Regularly checking the facility and equipment for any irregularities and working to correct them. Expected time toward Quarantine Management shall be about 10% of weekly hours. This is a full-time position at 97.5% FTE. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Requirements

Associate’s degree and at least 1 year of experience
Experience rearing insects in a laboratory, familiarity with insect identification
Ability to follow regulations, standard operating procedures, and safety rules
Must be personable, flexible; possess excellent organizational and communication skills (both written and oral); exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University
Ability to work independently and make decisions that lead to desired outcomes for lab projects
Proficiency in word processing (MS Word) and spreadsheets and data summaries (MS Excel)
Contribute to an inclusive and respectful work environment
Flexibility to adjust hours and participate in scheduled weekend coverage during busy or critical project periods
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs, climb onto stepladders, and bend or crouch down, while wearing full Tyvek PPE suits and gloves in a warm environment
Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.
Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a natural science field
Experience in entomology and/or plant research
Experience with lab and field equipment including autoclaves, aspirators, cameras, data loggers, microscopes, balances, soil moisture meter, and Percival growth chambers
Experience supervising other technicians or undergraduates in a research setting.

Responsibilities

Manage NYSHI’s laboratory and greenhouse spaces at the quarantine facility.
Follow established protocols to collect and maintain biocontrol insects.
Train Cornell staff on quarantine regulations, safety, and procedures.
Organize records for Federal inspections of quarantine.
Assist in developing reports and training materials.
Participate in outreach.
Supervise assistants.
Take full responsibility for the insect rearing operation in the quarantine greenhouse including: setup/takedown of the physical space and rearing cages, maintenance of cage integrity and cleanliness, intake and organization of western hemlock foliage into cages, collection of insects, recordkeeping, insect husbandry (flies and beetles), sorting and preparing insects for releases, maintaining overall greenhouse cleanliness and sanitizing insect holding containers, communication with facilities coordinators and manager regarding space use and environmental settings, reporting supply and equipment needs to appropriate personnel.
Manage records for laboratory project within the SARL quarantine facility to the standards required for the project and for inspections by federal and state regulators.
Conduct and/or supervise data entry and error checking of data.
Assist in developing quarterly reports based on data collected.
Train others and delegate tasks to assistants.
Ensure NYSHI staff adhere to quarantine standard operating procedures and safety protocols.
Frequently check, maintain, and collect adult beetles from soil media in growth chambers.
Place adult beetles on food to await release.
Participate in outreach potentially including website maintenance, assistance with social media, and writing for the NYSHI newsletter or similar.
Participate in outreach events such as Cornell’s InsectaPalooza.
Assist with a variety of research projects such as: foliage dissections, fly rearing experiments, genetic analysis including DNA isolation and PCR, environmental DNA sample filtration and processing, and/or other projects as assigned.
Support field projects if needed, such as HWA or eDNA field sampling and insect releases.
Travel within New York State as needed.
Participate in professional development in appropriate areas to enhance professional knowledge & skills.
Act as SARL Quarantine Manager, reporting to the Quarantine Officer.
Take responsibility for maintaining records and files relating to all work being done in the quarantine by all lab groups.
Liasing among lab groups and between labs, CAES Chamber/SARL Supervisor, and Quarantine Officer.
Alerting facilities to all repair and maintenance issues and assisting with communications to users.
Training all new users on general procedures for quarantine use and safety.
Assisting with tours and inspections of the facility as needed.
Regularly checking the facility and equipment for any irregularities and working to correct them.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options
Generous retirement contributions
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Health and personal leave
Three weeks of vacation
13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
Two additional floating holidays
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
Tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program